8 Sep :Rajan Zed, acclaimed Hindu statesman, has applauded Pope’s assertion on shunning the excesses of consumerism and honoring traditional family values while addressing a youth gathering in Cagliari (Italy) on Sunday.
In a statement issued at Nevada (USA) today, Zed, who is president of Universal Society of Hinduism, said, “Instead of running after materialism, we should seek renunciation, which is an important doctrine of Hinduism, and which allows one to focus on an inner search, realization of self, and work towards achieving moksha (liberation).”
Zed said that the essence of ancient Hindu scripture Bhagavad-Gita is renunciation and it promises “freedom through renunciation”.
Zed also agreed with His Holiness Pope Benedictus XVI Joseph A. Ratzinger’s remarks on the occasion— that in today’s consumerist society, money and success have become the new idols before which so many people prostrate themselves. Zed stressed the need of working together on common goals for better future of the humankind.
Pope Ratzinger heads the Roman Catholic Church, which is the largest of the Christian denominations. Hinduism, oldest and third largest religion of the world, has about one billion followers. Moksha is the ultimate goal of Hinduism.